Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

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"Open Academy: Figure Modeling"
Thusdays, August 27 - December 10, 2026
 

This first-year-level comprehensive figure modeling course focuses on geometry, anatomy, and proportion, as well as the crucial elements of gesture, rhythm, spontaneity, and the spirit of form-making. Students are encouraged to work in a variety of sizes. Independent study and experimentation are always encouraged, and outside projects should be expected. Broader topics, including the nature, history, and philosophy of figurative art, are also discussed.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: John Horn
Cost: $1,450
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Introduction to Foundry and Mold-Making"
Thursdays, September 10 - December 3, 2026
 

Foundry metal casting is the process of creating metal objects by pouring molten metal into a mold and letting it cool to solidify. This course will cover all aspects of the foundry process with an emphasis on mold making as an essential element of a sculptor’s toolkit for both bronze casting and creating objects in multiples. Demonstrations and hands-on instruction will be given in wax modeling and casting, ceramic shell techniques, bronze pouring, metal chasing, TIG welding and patination. Course content will include step-by-step guidance in mold making production as students apply this process to their own projects. This class presents integral skills for any sculptor. Beginner-friendly and open to all levels. Note: Tuition includes a $75 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Pavel Efremoff
Cost: $750
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Foundry: Introduction/All Levels"
Thursdays, September 10 - December 3, 2026
 

This course will cover all aspects of the foundry process. Demonstrations and hands-on instruction will be given in wax modeling and casting, ceramic shell techniques, bronze pouring, metal chasing, TIG welding and patination. All levels welcome. Note: Tuition includes a $75 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Pavel Efremoff
Cost: $750
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Stone Carving"
Saturdays, September 12 - December 5, 2026
 

Explore the possibilities of stone carving by using traditional and nontraditional methods. All processes from rough carving to polishing will be covered, and various tools and techniques will be demonstrated. Develop proficiency in basic tool use including manual carving, pneumatic carving, sawing, grinding, and sanding. Open to all levels. Note: Tuition includes a $30 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Metal Sculpture"
Saturdays, September 19 - November 21, 2026
 

This ten-week course teaches the basic skills needed for making metal sculpture. Learn fundamental methods of cutting, bending and welding metal such as sawing, heating, and MIG welding. Students will be encouraged to explore the medium with directness and spontaneity to gain a knowledge and understanding of its complexion. Open to all levels. Note: Tuition includes a $65 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Cost: $515
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Paper Clay: An Introduction to Hand Building with Paper Clay"
Tuesdays, September 22 - December 8, 2026
 

Join Jerry Bennett, a leading international paper clay artist, as he guides you in making paper clay and bonding slips for hand-built pottery and sculptural forms. Paper clay (fiber clay) is the process in ceramics where artists add cellulose fibers to make the clay easier to work with and more plastic. These fibers burn out after the first firing leaving only the clay remaining. However, many of the rules that govern regular clay do not apply to paper clay. Gain valuable insights as Jerry shares practical, problem-solving advice, such as fixing broken work and preventing cracks. Demonstrations focus on slab construction, but students are free to experiment with coil building, pinching, and extrusion. Decorating techniques include underglaze, textures, colored slips, and glaze applications.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jerry Bennett
Cost: $630
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Creating Original Totem Poles"
Tuesdays, September 22 - December 8, 2026
 

In this course, students will combine figurative and animal sculptural designs to create original totems incorporating elements from nature. The instructor will provide step-by-step guidance, from initial design through sculpting it in clay. Individual pieces will be fired and ready for glaze by the end of the session. The course includes 25 pounds of clay, and all skill levels—from beginner to advanced—are welcome.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jennifer Frudakis-Petry
Cost: $610
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Figure Modeling: The Torso"
Wednesdays, September 23 - December 9, 2026
 

Sculptors from Ancient Greece to Michelangelo have recognized the centrality of the torso for creating dynamic figure sculptures. This class will focus intensely on the anatomy, structure, and proportions of the torso. Perfect for beginners or for experienced students wishing to bring renewed vitality to their work in any media. Students will complete two torso sculptures. Work will be done in terracotta and fired after class. Note: Tuition includes $65 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Morgan Dummitt
Cost: $515
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Pottery Club (Ages: 7-9)"
Mondays, September 28 - November 30, 2026
 

Bring your young artists to join us in the ceramics studio as we learn various hand-building methods for creating and decorating ceramic masterpieces. Each week's project will include a method of constructing clay by hand (pinch, coil, slab, etc.) and plenty of opportunities for self-expression and experimentation. After students construct a clay piece and paint it with colorful glazes, projects will be fired in electric kilns. Students should bring their imagination and be prepared to get messy as we dive into the world of functional and sculptural ceramics. This is a 10-week, 1.5 hour, after school class.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Carolyn Kline-Coyle
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Stone Sculpture"
Mondays, September 28 - December 14, 2026
 

This class introduces students to the process of carving stone with hand tools. Beginners start with alabaster or soapstone, both fairly soft stones that can be easily carved. The instructor will provide tools for beginners to use during the class and assist throughout the process. More advanced students are always welcome to take the class. This class provides a regular scheduled opportunity to work, get feedback from other artists and a chance to both learn and share the knowledge students have acquired. Students will need to bring their own alabaster stone, which can be ordered from "The Complete Sculptor" online.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Piera Raffaele
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Wood Studio"
Wednesdays, September 30 - December 9, 2026
 

This class will explore wood as a primary art-making medium, looking at its many types, techniques and uses. Students will develop a well-rounded foundation of wood-working skills including cutting, milling, laminating, joinery and safe use of wood-working tools. Contemporary, traditional and ancient art works made of wood will be presented for historical and contextual understanding. Students will be encouraged to find their own unique voice within the material while building skills. Tuition includes $30 materials fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: John Greig
Cost: $480
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Pottery Club (Ages: 7-9)"
Thursdays, October 1 - December 10, 2026
 

Bring your young artists to join us in the ceramics studio as we learn various hand-building methods for creating and decorating ceramic masterpieces. Each week's project will include a method of constructing clay by hand (pinch, coil, slab, etc.) and plenty of opportunities for self-expression and experimentation. After students construct a clay piece and paint it with colorful glazes, projects will be fired in electric kilns. Students should bring their imagination and be prepared to get messy as we dive into the world of functional and sculptural ceramics. This is a 10-week, 1.5 hour, after school class.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Nicole Lee
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Pottery Club (Ages: 7-9)"
Saturdays, October 3 - December 12, 2026
 

Bring your young artists to join us in the ceramics studio as we learn various hand-building methods for creating and decorating ceramic masterpieces. Each week's project will include a method of constructing clay by hand (pinch, coil, slab, etc.) and plenty of opportunities for self-expression and experimentation. After students construct a clay piece and paint it with colorful glazes, projects will be fired in electric kilns. Students should bring their imagination and be prepared to get messy as we dive into the world of functional and sculptural ceramics. This is a 10-week, 1.5-hour, Saturday class.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Nicole Lee
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Papermaking: Sheetforming to Sculpture"
Thursdays, October 15 - November 19, 2026
 

Discover the myriad of possibilities of handmade paper from sheetforming, to painterly pulp techniques, to sculptural forms in PAFA's Brodsky Center Paper Studio. Learn fundamentals or build on previous papermaking knowledge as you begin by forming sheets with a mould and deckle, and then move beyond into working with colored pulps and exploring 3D techniques such as casting and draping paper over armatures to create paper sculptures. Working with cotton, flax, and abaca fibers, experience how paper can function as both surface and structure. All levels welcome. Tuition includes a $50 materials/lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Clay Tenhula
Cost: $345
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Adult/Teen Sculpture: Stone Carving (Ages: 13+)"
Mondays, October 19 - November 16, 2026
 

The world of stone carving is at your fingertips! Have fun learning to carve stone using traditional hand and power tools. Students choose a raw piece of soapstone or alabaster on their first day of class. Following step-by-step instructions about basic stone carving techniques, students turn a block of stone into a 3-Dimensional sculpture, using hammers, chisels and other tools. Camaraderie working with others help students watch and adapt new ideas and techniques, enhancing their knowledge, experience, and understanding of sculpting stone. All tools and materials are included. Safety glasses will be provided. This class is a 5-week, 1.5 hour afternoon class.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Piera Raffaele
Cost: $145
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Mixed Media Collage Workshop"
October 31 - November 1, 2026
 

Mixed media art and collage offer a myriad of possibilities to combine papers, photographs, and 3D elements to make a statement, convey something personal, or create something textural, colorful, and beautiful. Develop rich and complex imagery finding inspiration from memory, literature, films, and other sources, while working in a variety of traditional and non-traditional materials. Sessions will discuss the characteristics of adhesives, paper and fabric cut-outs, wood, and plastics. Students will receive one-on-one instruction and participate in open discussions about their ideas and work. Topics include construction, storage and presentation strategies. Open to all levels.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anthony Ciambella
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Creative Ceramics: Functional Forms"
Tuesdays, November 3 - December 8, 2026
 

Combine practicality and creativity through the art of sculpting and throwing functional ceramics. Create bowls, platters, vessels, and more that you can both use and admire every day. Through hands-on instruction and practice, learn essential hand-building techniques such as pinching, slab-building, coil-building, and surface treatments, as well as the basics of how to throw on a pottery wheel. Instruction will cover principles of form, texture, balance, and proportion, in addition to the fundamentals of the firing process. Develop your sculpting skills in a supportive and inspiring environment, and come away with handmade artworks that are both usable and personally expressive. Open to both beginners and experienced artists. Tuition includes a $30 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Matthew Courtney
Cost: $315
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"The Figure in Clay Workshop"
November 7-8, 2026
 

Learn the techniques and tools of figure sculpture through demonstration and hands-on sculpting from the model. Explore anatomy, proportion, gesture, and design through the versatility of clay. Personal expression will be emphasized though representational and abstract approaches. Open to all levels and perfect for beginners. Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Colleen O'Donnell
Cost: $230
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


 

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